Very Large Roman Door Handle Pair with Lion Heads. 2nd-3rd century AD. A pair of substantial bronze door knockers or furniture handles comprising a large circular appliqué with central high-relief lion-mask, emerging from a hollow, convex circular plate with four holes flanking the head, each lion holding a large ring in its mouth, radiating mane composed of thick locks, incised fur texture to the face.See Uccelli, G., Le navi di Nemi, Roma, 1940; Ghini, G., Il Museo delle navi romane e Il Santuario di Diana di Nemi, Roma, 1992, for similar appliques destined to the Nemi ships of the Emperor Caligula; similar specimens in the collection of the Museum of the Order of St John at the University of Birmingham inv. no.5616-5617, from Jerusalem; two nearly identical door knockers in the shape of lion heads in the Getty Museum, accession number 72.AC.91.4.9 kg total, 27cm each (10 1/2"). Property of a gentleman from Jerusalem; previously in an old Israeli collection; accompanied by a copy of Israeli export permit number 43725 and by an archaeological report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10605-174114.It seems that this style of door knocker was widely used in the province of Syria Palestine created by the Emperor Hadrian, during the period in which the adoption of Greek art by the Romans reached its peak. Adopting Greek custom and styles, the Romans spread the use of door knockers shaped like lions (a symbol connected with Alexander the Great, the lion of Macedonia) to the furthest reaches of their empire. In the classical world, lions symbolised power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most well-known being that of Hercules (Greek Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion; the first of his twelve labours. Such lion knockers were apotropaic guards for the house and family of the owner. In the Late Empire, the lion became a symbol of wisdom, royalty, power and leadership. [2] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price